Humidification systems

ABSTRACT

A humidification system including a water-delivery system, an air-delivery system, a control system, and at least one fog-generation system. In example forms, the system includes a water-and-air delivery bar, a fog-delivery block, and/or a tubing-and-track delivery system. In another example form, a humidification system includes a housing having a nozzle discharge body, an air inlet coupling having an air delivery conduit extending therethrough, and a water inlet coupling having a water delivery conduit extending therethrough, and further including means for providing heating and/or a consistent back-pressure and flowrate across multiple nozzles in a multi-nozzle array.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat.Application Serial No. 62/571,549 filed Oct. 12, 2017, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of humidificationsystems, and more particularly to systems and equipment for delivery offog for humidification of air in closed or open spaces.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining selected humidity levels is desirable for variousapplications. For example, humidification of supermarket display cases,storage areas, ripening rooms, transport containers, and outdoor growingareas for various types of perishable goods can help maintain productweight, freshness, and appearance. This is the case for a variety ofperishables including but not limited to produce, meat, seafood, cheese,deli, floral displays, agricultural products, and other post-harvestorganic products. Conventional misting systems are of some benefit inproviding humidification, but there remain issues with taste,appearance, and waste.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for better humidificationsystems for perishable goods. It is to the provision of solutionsmeeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarilydirected.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides improvedhumidification systems and equipment. Example embodiments ofhumidification and misting systems and equipment according to thepresent invention deliver a fine, fog spray to maintain desired levelsof humidity within spaces such as display cases, ripening rooms, growingareas and storage areas for produce, meat, seafood, cheese, deli, floraldisplays, agricultural products, and other items. Example embodimentsenable easy retrofit installation into existing spaces and enclosures,are easy to maintain, and are readily customized through the provisionof modular components to suit various applications. In exampleapplications, the systems and equipment are aesthetically pleasing inappearance, quiet in operation, efficient in water usage, adjustable forincreased humidity, and do not produce excessive moisture or wetness onsurfaces such as case fronts and floors within and in the vicinity ofthe humidified space.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a humidification systemincluding a water delivery subsystem, an air delivery subsystem, acontrol subsystem, and at least one fog generation subsystem.

In further aspects, the at least one fog generation subsystem includesat least one fog delivery nozzle selected from a water nozzle orwater/air combination nozzle, including, but not limited to ultrasonicnozzles.

In still further aspects, the at least one fog generation subsystemincludes an air and water delivery bar having an air delivery conduitand a water delivery conduit, and further includes at least one modularnozzle assembly configured to receive pressurized air from the airdelivery conduit and to receive pressurized water from the waterdelivery conduit.

In still further aspects, the at least one fog generation subsystemincludes at least one fog generation block, each fog generation blockincluding an air delivery manifold, a water delivery manifold, and oneor more sprayer nozzles coupled between the air and water deliverymanifolds.

In still further aspects, the at least one fog generation subsystemincludes a series of tubing segments interconnecting an array of two ormore nozzle assemblies.

In still further aspects, the at least one fog generation subsystemcomprises a larger-volume discharging nozzle (e.g., ½ gallon or more perhour) nozzle.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fog-delivery nozzle for ahumidification system. The fog delivery nozzle preferably includes ahousing having a nozzle discharge body, an air inlet coupling having anair delivery conduit extending therethrough, and a water inlet couplinghaving a water delivery conduit extending therethrough. The fog deliverynozzle preferably also includes means for providing a consistent backpressure and flowrate across multiple nozzles in a multi-nozzle array.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of exampleembodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention,as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidification system according to afirst example embodiment of the present invention, showing a firstfog-generation system and other major components of the humidificationsystem.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the first fog-generation systemof FIG. 1 , showing a bar conduit and a series of nozzle assemblies.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of one of the nozzle assemblies ofFIG. 2 .

FIG. 3A is a bottom view, in schematic form, of one of the nozzleassemblies of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a top view of the bar conduit of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of Detail A of the bar conduit of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of Detail B of the bar conduit of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is an end view of the bar conduit of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a humidification system according to asecond example embodiment of the present invention, showing a secondfog-generation system and other major components of the humidificationsystem.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the humidification system of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second fog-generation system ofFIG. 8 , showing manifold blocks and nozzles.

FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded view of the second fog-generationsystem of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a humidification system according to athird example embodiment of the present invention, showing a thirdfog-generation system and other major components of the humidificationsystem.

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded side view of the third fog-generationsystem of FIG. 12 , showing a track, conduits, and nozzles.

FIG. 14A is a schematic flow diagram of the third fog-generation systemof FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14B shows a detail portion of the third fog-generation system ofFIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective rear view of a fourth fog-generationsystem of a humidification system according to a fourth exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an assembled perspective front view of the fourthfog-generation system of FIG. 15 , with the housing cover removed toreveal the internal components providing a large-volume fog deliveryarrangement.

FIG. 17 is a perspective rear top view of the fourth fog-generationsystem of FIG. 16 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of example embodiments taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part ofthis disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Anyand all patents and other publications identified in this specificationare incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

The present invention is described herein with reference tohumidification systems for maintaining desired humidity levels ofsupermarket display cases, storage areas, ripening rooms, transportcontainers, outdoor growing areas, and the like for various types ofperishables including but not limited to produce, meat, seafood, cheese,deli, floral displays, agricultural products, and other post-harvestorganic products. As such, these embodiments generate and deliverhumidity in the form of a fog. As used herein, the term means a mixtureof tiny liquid water droplets suspended in air. Typically, the waterdroplets have a diameter of about 2 microns to about 30 microns.

Other embodiments of the invention are adapted to deliver the sameand/or other fluid mixtures (gas-liquid mixtures, gas-gas mixtures,and/or liquid-liquid emulsions and/or other mixtures, including forexample water and/or air as a solvent delivery fluid and a solutetreatment agent or substance to be delivered) for the same and/or otherapplications. For example, this technology can be readily adapted to addhumidity, nutrients, disinfectants, vaccines, therapies, and/or othersubstances to areas such as, but not limited to, greenhouses, growingareas, nurseries, hatcheries, farms, animal-housing facilities, storagerooms, ripening rooms, cigar rooms, wineries, transportation hubs,transportation vehicles, carts and trailers, and other areas in the foodindustry including growing, harvesting, storing, logistics, and retailof food products. Additionally, the technology can be readily adaptedfor use in the entertainment industry, amusement parks, the filmindustry, and/or for special effects. Further, the technology can bereadily adapted for use in sanitation, odor control, cooling, treatment,and humidification of areas inhabited by humans, such as medicalfacilities, laboratories, clean rooms, gathering areas, schools,transportation hubs, airports, restrooms, sanitation and recyclingfacilities, water treatment facilities, and processing plants. In otherembodiments, the systems generate and deliver humidity in the form of amist including tiny liquid water droplets (larger than in fog, forexample about 90 microns) suspended in air.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-6 show a humidification system 10 according to a first exampleembodiment of the invention. The humidification system 10 generallyincludes a water-delivery system, an air-delivery system, a controlsystem, and one or more fog-generation systems 60 (two are depicted).The water-delivery system, the air-delivery system, and the controlsystem can be provided by conventional components in conventionalarrangements, including but not limited to those described and shownherein. In the depicted embodiment, the humidification system 10provides a controlled spray of fog F to a medium-to-large humidifiedspace such as a produce or floral display case C.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the water-delivery system includes a water-deliveryconduit 20 that is connected to a pressurized water source W, such as adomestic water supply with an on/off valve, and optionally includes awater filter 22 or other treatment device, such as an inline filter. Thewater-delivery conduit 20 receives water from the pressurized source Wand delivers the water to a water supply control unit 30 of the controlsystem and on to the fog-generation system 60.

The air-delivery system includes an air compressor 40, for example of aconventional 110 Volt AC type including an air filter or other treatmentdevice and an airflow valve, and a pressurized air-delivery conduit 42.For example, air compressors 40 rated from about 5 psi to about 50 psican be used, including central air compressors or smaller stand-aloneair compressors. The air compressor 40 intakes ambient air andpressurizes the air for delivery via the pressurized air-deliveryconduit 42 on to the fog-generation system 60.

In some embodiments such as that depicted, the humidification system 10includes a plurality of the fog-generation systems 60. In suchembodiments, the water-delivery system can additionally include asplitter 24 for dividing the water-delivery conduit 20 into a pluralityof water-delivery conduits 20 each serving one of the fog-generationsystems 60, and the air-delivery system can additionally include asplitter 44 for dividing the air-delivery conduit 42 into a plurality ofair-delivery conduits 42 each serving another one of the fog-generationsystems 60.

The control system includes the water supply control unit 30 and othercontrol components for the air compressor 40 and the water supplycontrol unit 30. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the controlsystem includes a voltage transformer 52 for delivery and maintenance ofcontrol power, for example at 24 Volt AC (or DC), and a timer unit 54,for example operating at 24 Volt AC. The control system also includes ACpower wiring 56 from the timer to the air compressor 40; AC power wiring57 from the timer to the water supply control unit 30; and controlwiring 58 between the control components for example from the timer unit54 to the water supply control unit 30. The water supply control unit 30typically includes one or more pressure regulators for controlling thewater discharge pressure and/or flowrate, and one or more solenoidcontrolled valves or other flow-control components, for exampleoperating in response to electronic signals received from the timer unit54 to activate and deactivate water and/or airflow to the fog-generationsystem 60. In typical embodiments, the timer 54 controls the water andair supplies as programmed by sending power to the air compressor 40 andthe water supply control unit 30 (e.g., internal solenoid valves). Theair compressor 40 then supplies the compressed air and the water supplycontrol unit 30 supplies water to the fog-generating system 60.

Details of one of the fog-generation systems 60 will now be describedwith particular reference to FIGS. 2-6 . The fog-generation system 60receives the pressurized water from the water supply control unit 30 viathe water-delivery conduit 20 of the water-delivery system and thepressurized air from the air-delivery conduit 42 of the air-deliverysystem. The fog-generation system 60 generally includes an air and waterdelivery bar 61 and one or more modular nozzle assemblies 70.

The air and water delivery bar 61 includes a pressurized-water header orplenum 62 and a pressurized-air header or plenum 64. The water header 62is connected to and fed by the water-delivery conduit 20 and the airheader 64 is connected to and fed by the air-delivery conduit 42.

In example forms, the air and water delivery bar 60 comprises anextrusion or molding of PVC or other rigid (it supports more than itsown weight without deforming), semi-rigid or flexible plastic orpolymeric material(s), polyethylene, ABS, or PVC having first and secondchannels or lumens extending in parallel axially therethrough from endto end forming the water and air headers 62, 64. In example embodiments,the air and water delivery channels have an inside diameter or innerdimension of about 0.20" to about 0.30", for example about a ¼" nominalinside diameter, but larger or smaller channels may be utilizeddepending on the particular installation or application. In exampleembodiments, the water and air headers 62, 64 of the delivery bar 61 canbe integrally formed as a unitary body, or alternatively can beseparately fabricated and joined or mounted parallel and alongside oneanother. The delivery bar 61 is elongated and can be fabricated in oneor more standard lengths (for example about 2', 4', 6', 8', etc.), canbe cut to a desired length for customized installation, and/or two ormore delivery bars can be coupled end-to-end for extended installations.Various couplings can optionally be provided for straight, angled,branching and other delivery-bar 61 configurations as desired forparticular installations.

In example embodiments such as that depicted, a plurality of the modularnozzle assemblies 70 are mounted to and fed by one or morecontinuous-length runs of one or more of the delivery bars 61. In suchembodiments, the water and air headers 62, 64 of the delivery bar 61include sufficiently high-volume, large flow-capacity channels fordelivery of water and air to the modular nozzle assemblies 70, therebyallowing a small or large number of the nozzle assemblies 70 to be fedby a single shared air compressor 40 and water source W. The result is acost-effective and efficient humidification system 10 for humidifyingspaces having various shapes and/or sizes and/or requiring varyingdegrees of humidification.

Each air and water delivery bar 61 typically includes one or more nozzlereceiver portions 80 of the delivery bar for coupling one or more of themodular nozzle assemblies 70 to the delivery bar 61 and providing fluidcommunication from the delivery bar 61 to the nozzle assemblies 70. Eachsuch bar section or portion 80 includes a water coupling component 82and an air coupling component 84. The water and air couplings 82, 84typically include a port, hole, or bore extending through the deliverybar 61 and into fluid communication with the water and air headers 62,64, respectively, to enable delivery of water and air from the headersto the water and air inlets of the nozzle assemblies. In exampleembodiments, a plurality or series of the receiver portions 80 areformed in and uniformly spaced along the length of the air and waterdelivery bar 61, for example spaced about 12" from one another and about6" from the ends of the delivery bar 61. One or more O-rings or otherseal elements 88 are optionally provided in or at the water and aircouplings 82, 84 to form a leak-resistant seal between the air and waterdelivery bar 61 and the nozzle assemblies 70.

In addition, each nozzle receiver portion 80 typically includes one ormore (two are depicted) nozzle assembly attachment couplings 86. In thedepicted embodiments, for example, the nozzle attachment couplings 86generally include a port, hole, or bore extending through the deliverybar 61 to secure the respective nozzle assembly to the delivery bar 61.Nozzle attachment fasteners 90 (e.g., screws or other attachmentelements) are optionally affixed through the nozzle assembly attachmentcoupling openings 86 to securely couple the nozzle assemblies 70 ontothe delivery bar 61.

The water and air couplings 82, 84 and the nozzle assembly attachmentcouplings 86 of each receiver portion 80 are typically formed with auniform spacing and position configured to match the correspondingspacing and position of the cooperating coupling and mounting portionsof the modular nozzle assemblies 70 for ease of installation. Forinstance, the water and air couplings 82, 84 of each receiver portion 80may be spaced axially about 3.39" and transversely about 0.60" from oneanother, and the nozzle assembly attachment couplings 86 may be spacedaxially about 3.71" from one another, center-to-center, in an exampleembodiment.

The delivery bar 61 can be mounted to a support structure, for example amedium to large humidified space such as a produce or floral displaycase C, by conventional mounting elements. In the depicted embodiments,for example, bar mounting screws 92 extend through screw-holes 93 in thedelivery bar 61 for such mounting.

Furthermore, in example embodiments the nozzle assemblies 70 eachinclude a water manifold 72 at a first end thereof, an air manifold 74at a second end thereof, and one or more sprayer heads or nozzles 76positioned and coupled between, and in fluid communication with, thewater and air manifolds (and thus fed indirectly by the correspondingwater-delivery and air-delivery conduits). The sprayers 76 may be anytype of water nozzle or water/air combination nozzle, including but notlimited to ultrasonic nozzles. The manifolds 72 and 74 help provide forminimal flow resistance, in some embodiments such as that depicted theyeach feed only one sprayer 76, and in other embodiments theybranch/parallel feed multiple sprayers. An optional stopcock or valve 78can be provided for example between the water manifold 72 and thesprayer 76. One or more O-rings, bushings, seals, gaskets or othersealing elements are optionally provided to form a leak-resistant sealbetween components of the nozzle assembly 70. A capillary tube or flowrestrictor 85 is optionally provided to control and provide uniformwater flow rate to the sprayer 76. The capillary can come in differentsizes and is not limited to what is shown in the drawing.

The nozzle assemblies 70 each further include a water transfer coupling72A and an air transfer coupling 74A for delivering water and air fromthe delivery bar 61 to the respective water and air manifolds 72, 74.Each water transfer coupling 72A is configured for cooperativelycoupling with and providing fluid communication between the waterchannel 62 of the delivery bar 61 and the water manifold 72. Similarly,each air transfer coupling 74A is configured for cooperatively couplingwith and providing fluid communication between the air channel 64 of thedelivery bar 61 and the air manifold 74. In the depicted embodiment, forexample, the water and air transfer couplings 72A, 74A are in the formof tubes or stems that extend from the respective water and airmanifolds 72, 74 and are received into the respective water and aircoupling openings 82, 84 of a corresponding nozzle assembly receiver 80of the delivery bar 61. In other embodiments, the water and air transfercouplings are received into respective water and air coupling openingsof the water and air manifolds or are provided by other fluid-carryingelements.

The water manifold 72, the air manifold 74, and the sprayer 76 of eachnozzle assembly 70 are arranged generally in-line with each other, forexample substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis or centerline 63of the delivery bar 61, with the water manifold 72 and the air manifold74 and spaced apart and with the sprayers 76 positioned between and influid communication with them (see, e.g., FIG. 3A). The water and airchannels 62 and 64 of the delivery bar 61 are typically arranged in aside-by-side configuration on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis orcenterline 63 of the delivery bar 61. As such, the water and airtransfer couplings 72A, 74A are typically positioned on opposite sidesof the longitudinal axis or centerline 63 of the delivery bar 61, forexample spaced therefrom by an offset or transverse distance 72B, 74B.This arrangement provides a nozzle assembly 70 that is low-profile,compact, and non-obtrusive, and is thus relatively easy to install andmaintain.

In addition, each sprayer head or nozzle 76 of typical embodiments isseparately rotationally mounted to and between, and in fluidcommunication with, the water and air manifolds 72, 74 to allow forindividual angular adjustment and control of the direction of the sprayF of fog from each nozzle assembly 70 (as indicated by the angulararrows of FIG. 3 ). In example embodiments, the sprayer 76 can be, butis not limited to, a generally T-shaped element having a water inlet 71at one side, an air inlet 73 at the other side and generally axiallyaligned with the water inlet 71 to define a rotational axis, and a spraydischarge or outlet 75 between the water and air inlets for discharginga fog spray F of fine water droplets entrained within an airflow.

FIGS. 8-11 show a humidification system 210 according to a secondexample embodiment of the invention. The humidification system 210generally includes a water-delivery system, an air-delivery system, acontrol system, and one or more fog-generation systems 260 (two aredepicted). The water-delivery system, the air-delivery system, and thecontrol system can be provided by conventional components inconventional arrangements, including but not limited to those describedand shown herein. In the depicted embodiment, the humidification system210 provides a controlled fog F to a small-to-medium size humidifiedspace of an enclosure E such as a meat or seafood storage and displaycase, and alternatively may be used for humidifying larger spaces.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 8-9 , the water-delivery system, theair-delivery system, and the control system can have the same generaltype and configuration of components as in the first embodiments. Assuch, the water-delivery system can include a water-delivery conduit220, which receives water from a pressurized source W, and a waterfilter 222 or other treatment device, for delivering water to a watersupply control unit 230 and on to the fog-generation systems 260. Theair-delivery system can include an air compressor 240, which intakesambient air, optionally filters or otherwise treats the air, andpressurizes the air for delivery via one or more pressurizedair-delivery conduits 242 to the fog-generation systems 260. And thecontrol system can include a relay 252 for delivery of control power, atimer unit 254, and the water supply control unit 230, which can includeone or more pressure regulators for controlling the water dischargepressure and/or flowrate, and one or more solenoid-controlled valves orother flow-control means, for example operating in response toelectronic signals received from the timer unit 254 to activate anddeactivate water and/or air flow to the fog-generation systems 260.Control and power wiring is provided for connecting and operating thesecontrol components. Additional details of the structure and operation ofthese components are not provided for brevity and to avoid duplication.

In addition, in the depicted embodiment the common or sharedwater-delivery conduit 220 is split by a T-coupling or splitter todeliver water to first and second subsidiary water-delivery conduits220A and 220B to supply water to first and second fog generation blocks260A, 260B, respectively. Similarly, the common or shared air-deliveryconduit 242 is split by a T-coupling or splitter to deliver pressurizedair to first and second subsidiary air-delivery conduits 242A and 242Bto supply air to first and second fog-generation systems 260A, 260B,respectively (collectively, the “fog-generation systems 260”). Inalternate embodiments, the humidification system can include one, two,three, or more fog-generation systems 260 in a series or parallel array(e.g., with each of the series or parallel fog-generation systemsincluding multiple parallel configured nozzle assemblies), withindividual air and water supply lines (and corresponding splitters forthe water and air conduits), and/or various desired arrangements orconfigurations. In alternate embodiments, there can be one or multiple,including more than two, subsidiary water-delivery and air-deliveryconduits.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 10-11 , each of the fog-generationsystems 260 has a block format and includes an air-delivery manifold262, a lower water-delivery manifold 264, and one or more sprayer headsor nozzles 270 positioned and coupled between the air and water deliverymanifolds 262, 264. The air-delivery manifold 262 can be positionedabove (as depicted), below, beside, angled, etc. relative to thewater-delivery manifold 264. The sprayer heads or nozzles 270 mayinclude any type of water nozzle or water/air combination nozzle,including, but not limited to ultrasonic nozzles.

O-rings, bushings, seals, gaskets or other sealing elements areoptionally provided to form a leak-resistant seal between components ofthe fog-generation systems 260. The fog-generation systems 260optionally further include a mounting bracket 280 for attachment to asupport structure or enclosure E, such as for example a wall of asmall-to-medium size humidified space within a meat or seafood storageand display case or of a larger humidified space within a meat orseafood storage room. The fog-generation systems 260 optionally furtherinclude a drip pan 286 to collect and drain any residual liquid, forexample at the end of a fog-delivery cycle as the system 260 pressuresdown.

In the depicted embodiment, two sprayers 270 are positioned and coupledbetween the air and water delivery manifolds 262, 264. As such, the airmanifold 262 and the water manifold 264 are spaced apart in a fixedrelationship with the sprayers 270 positioned between and in fluidcommunication with them. Also, the air manifold 262 includes an airchannel or lumen 263 and the water manifold 264 includes a water channelor lumen 265 that is typically substantially parallel to the air channel263, with each of the sprayers 270 tapped into and fed from the oppositedirection by the air and water channels 263, 265. This arrangementprovides a fog-generation system 260 that is low-profile, compact, andnon-obtrusive, and is thus relatively easy to install and maintain. Inalternate embodiments, one, two, three, or more sprayer heads or nozzlesmay be coupled between the air and water delivery manifolds 262, 264.The length of the air and water delivery manifolds 262, 264 is selectedto accommodate the number of sprayers 270 included in the fog-generationsystem 260.

In addition, each sprayer head or nozzle 270 of typical embodiments isseparately rotationally mounted to and between, and in fluidcommunication with, the air and water manifolds 262, 264 to allow forindividual angular adjustment and control of the direction of the sprayF or the fog from each sprayer 270 (as indicated by the angular arrowsof FIG. 11 ). In example embodiments, each sprayer 270 can be, but isnot limited to, a generally T-shaped element having a water inlet 271 atone side, an air inlet 273 at the other side and generally axiallyaligned with the water inlet 271 to define a nozzle rotational axis, anda spray discharge or outlet 275 between the water and air inlets fordischarging a fog spray F of fine water droplets entrained within anairflow.

FIG. 12 -14B show a humidification system 310 according to a thirdexample embodiment of the invention. The humidification system 310generally includes a water-delivery system, an air-delivery system, acontrol system, and one or more fog-generation systems 360 (two aredepicted). The water-delivery system, the air-delivery system, and thecontrol system can be provided by conventional components inconventional arrangements, including but not limited to those describedand shown herein. In the depicted embodiment, the humidification system310 provides a controlled spray of fog F to a humidified open or closedspace S such as for example a produce, meat, seafood, cheese, deli orfloral display case or room.

Referring particularly to FIG. 12 , the water-delivery system, theair-delivery system, and the control system can have the same generaltype and configuration of components as in the first embodiments. Assuch, the water-delivery system can include a water-delivery conduit320, which receives water from a pressurized source W, and a waterfilter 322 or other treatment device, for delivering water to a watersupply control unit 330 and on to the fog-generation systems 350. Theair-delivery system can include an air compressor 340, which intakesambient air, optionally filters or otherwise treats the air, andpressurizes the air for delivery via one or more pressurizedair-delivery conduits 342 to the fog-generation systems 350. And thecontrol system can include a voltage transformer 352 for delivery ofcontrol power, a timer and relay unit 354, and the water supply controlunit 330, which can include one or more pressure regulators forcontrolling the water discharge pressure and/or flowrate, and one ormore solenoid-controlled valves or other flow-control means, for exampleoperating in response to electronic signals received from the timer unit354 to activate and deactivate water and/or air flow to thefog-generation systems 350. Control and power wiring is provided forconnecting and operating these control components. Additional details ofthe structure and operation of these components are not provided forbrevity and to avoid duplication.

In addition, in the depicted embodiment the common or sharedwater-delivery conduit 324 is split by a T-coupling or splitter todeliver water to first and second subsidiary water-delivery conduits324A and 324B to supply water to first and second fog generation systems350A, 350B, respectively. Similarly, the common or shared air-deliveryconduit 342 is split by a T-coupling or splitter to deliver pressurizedair to first and second subsidiary air-delivery conduits 342A and 342Bto supply air to first and second fog-generation systems 350A, 350B,respectively (collectively, the “fog-generation systems 350”). Inalternate embodiments, the humidification system can include one, two,three, or more fog-generation systems 350 in a series or parallel array(e.g., with each of the series or parallel fog-generation systemsincluding multiple series configured nozzle assemblies), with individualair and water supply lines (and corresponding splitters for the waterand air conduits), and/or various desired arrangements orconfigurations. In alternate embodiments, there can be one or multiple,including more than two, subsidiary water-delivery and air-deliveryconduits. The water and air conduits may be provided as single feeds(e.g., at one end of each fog-generation system 350), double feeds(e.g., at both ends), or multiple feeds (e.g., between the ends andfeeding outward).

Referring particularly to FIG. 13 -14B, each fog-generation system 350includes a series of tubing segments interconnecting via flow dividersor splitter couplings and an array of two or more nozzle assemblies 360.In the depicted embodiment, four of the nozzle assemblies 360 and thecorresponding number of tube segments and splitters are included in eachfog-generation system 350. In alternate embodiments, one, two, three,four, or more nozzle assemblies, etc. may be included in eachfog-generation system.

Each nozzle assembly 360 includes a water inlet 362 at a first endthereof, an air inlet 364 at a second end thereof, a sprayer head ornozzle 366 positioned and coupled between the water and air inlets 362,364, and optionally a stopcock or valve 368 (e.g., between the waterinlet and the sprayer). One or more O-rings, bushings, seals, gaskets,or other sealing elements are optionally provided to form aleak-resistant seal between components of the nozzle assembly 360. Thesprayer heads 366 are optionally rotationally mounted (e.g., directly tothe respective flow splitters), or the tubing is sufficiently flexiblethat the nozzle assemblies can be rotated and the tubing twists, toallow positional adjustment to control the direction of discharge of fogF within the humidified space S. The sprayer heads or nozzles 366 mayinclude any type of water nozzle or water/air combination nozzle,including but not limited to ultrasonic nozzles.

The tubing segments and splitter couplings include water tubing 372 andwater splitters 374 arranged and interconnected in series to form awater-feed line or header 376 that is connected to and fed by thewater-delivery conduit 324, and air tubing 382 and air splitters 384arranged and interconnected in series to form an air-feed line or header386 that is connected to and fed by the air-delivery conduit 342. Thetubing 371, 382 can be conventional flexible tubing for pressurizedwater and/or air (e.g., 6 mm OD poly tubing). The water and airsplitters 374, 384 each include three or more legs (at least one inputand at least two outputs), and as such are referred to herein as two-waysplitters (e.g., Y-configuration), though three-way or other splitterscan be used and the tubing arrangement modified accordingly. Also, thewater and air splitters 374, 384 typically include a conventionalconnector at each of the leg ends, though the connectors can beseparately provided in some embodiments.

At least two of the nozzle assemblies 360 are serially arranged in asubstantially parallel alignment, and typically all or most of them areserially arranged in substantially axial alignment (e.g., for beinghoused in a generally linear segment of a track-and-cover assembly),with the water and air inlets 362, 364 so aligned (see FIG. 14A). An airsplitter 384 is provided for feeding each nozzle assembly 360 from afeed side (the left in FIG. 13-14B), with the splitter oriented with oneleg on the feed side and two legs on an opposite downstream side. Thefeed-side leg 381 is the air inlet connected to the air-feed tubing 382,one of the downstream legs 383 is one air outlet connected to (directlyor indirectly) and feeding the air inlet 364 of one of the nozzleassemblies 360, and the other of the downstream legs 385 is the otherair outlet connected to and continuing downstream with the water-feedtubing 372. Also, a water splitter 374 is provided for feeding eachnozzle assembly 360 from the opposite downstream side (the right in FIG.13 -14B), with the splitter oriented with two legs on the feed side andone leg on the opposite downstream side. One of the feed-sides leg 371is the water inlet connected to the water-feed tubing 372, thedownstream leg 373 is one water outlet connected to and continuingdownstream with the water-feed tubing 372, and the other of thefeed-side legs 375 is the other water outlet connected to (directly orindirectly) and feeding the water inlet 362 of one of the nozzleassemblies 360.

Thus, in typical embodiments the water and air splitters 374, 384 areoppositely arranged (facing each other) and positioned on opposite sidesof the respective nozzle assembly 360 (one at each inlet side). So thesplitters 374, 384 are typically oriented with their two-leg sidesfacing each other, with two-leg sides of the splitters thus havingaxially aligned legs. Also, in typical embodiments all three legs ofeach the splitters 374, 384 have substantially parallel axes, so the airinlet leg and the water outlet leg of the splitters are substantiallyparallel with the air inlet and the water inlet of the nozzle assemblies260 (seen FIG. 14B), though they are not typically planar and moretypically the splitters are pivoted and angled (e.g., by about 120degrees to about 150 degrees) relative to the nozzle inlets axis to foldthe tubing over into a more compact space.

The water and air splitters 374, 384 are typically located adjacent andconnected directly to the respective nozzle assembly 360, thoughalternatively they can be positioned a short distance away andindirectly connected for example by an additional length of tubing.Also, the fog-generation system 350 is described with the air splitters384 feeding the respective nozzle assemblies 360 from the feed side andwith the water splitters 374 feeding the respective nozzle assemblies360 from the opposite downstream side, though in other embodiments thisis switched with the water splitters feed-side and the air splitterdownstream-side. This arrangement provides a fog-generation system 350that is low-profile, compact, and non-obtrusive, and is thus relativelyeasy to install and maintain.

Plugs 388 can be used on the end-of-the-line water and air splitters374, 384 (e.g., the right-most splitters in FIG. 14A). In someembodiments, the feed-side splitter (in this case, the water splitter)at the end of the feed line is eliminated and instead a conventionalconnector used to couple the last tube segment to the last sprayer. Insome embodiments, instead of including a plug, that leg of the splittercan be connected to a secondary water or air source.

In addition, some embodiments such as that depicted include an air-feedbypass tubing and two addition splitters at its ends to connect thebypass tubing into the air-feed tubing, thereby bypassing one or more ofthe splitters in the air-feed line, to assist in maintaining a constantpressure.

The fog-generation system 350 optionally also includes a mounting trackor clamp (e.g., a length of U-shaped channel) 390 configured formounting to a support structure such as for example a produce, meat,seafood, cheese, deli or floral display case, and one or more coverpanels 392 configured to attach to the mounting bracket or clamp 390 andcover the tubing sections between the nozzle assemblies 360. Thetrack-and-cover assembly is typically generally linear, as depicted, butalternatively can include bends (e.g., between linear sections) and/orcurves for conforming to the shape of a mounting surface (e.g., a wallor panel of the display case), particularly for embodiments in which thetubing is flexible.

FIGS. 15-17 show a fog-generation system 410 of a humidification systemaccording to a fourth example embodiment of the invention. The system410 generally includes a fog or humidification discharging high-flowvolume nozzle 430, a pressurized water-delivery conduit 440, apressurized air-delivery conduit 450, and a housing 420 containing thoseinternal components. The high-volume nozzle 430 is preferably alarge-capacity, high flowrate (e.g., 0.5 -1.5 gallons per hour) nozzlecapable of delivering a fog spray for humidification of large to verylarge spaces, such as for example storage rooms or warehouses. Thenozzle 430 can be any type of conventional water nozzle or water/aircombination nozzle, including but not limited to an ultrasonic nozzle.Pressure regulators 442, 452 are optionally provided in the water andair delivery conduit flowpaths, and a solenoid-controlled valve 444 isoptionally provided in the water-delivery conduit flowpath.

In example embodiments, the housing 420 is configured (sized and shaped)to have an external visual appearance that is similar to a surveillanceor security camera housing. This allows the unit to blend in with itssurroundings and/or present the appearance of increased security todiscourage pilfering or tampering with stored products. For example, thehousing 420 can include a casing 422, a hinged cover 424 (e.g., thatopens to expose the internal components), and a mounting arm or bracket426, all made of a plastic or metal (e.g., stainless steel).

In addition, an emitter or dripper 460 (e.g., a pressure compensating ornon-compensating dripper such as is used in agriculture) or anotherflowrate control mechanism is optionally provided in the water-deliveryflowpath to control the rate of water delivery. An additional oralternative mechanism to control flow, such as a capillary tube, can beincluded.

Furthermore, a heating element 470 can be included, for examplepositioned within the housing 420 and below the water-delivery flowpathand connected water-carrying components (440, 442, etc.), andoperated/controlled to prevent freezing of water in the water-deliveryflowpath/components. The heating element 470 can be a conventionalelectrical-resistance heating element (e.g., a sheet, panel, or strip),including power wiring 472 to the control system (which includes anon-off control and optionally variable heat control such as multiplediscrete heating levels and/or a range of heat levels), and attached toa mounting element (e.g., the depicted plate, which can be made ofaluminum or another high-conductivity material).

The invention also includes systems and methods for humidification ofspaces and materials, for example for humidification and conservation ofvegetables, seafood, meat, deli, floral, and agro food products. Inexample embodiments, one or more systems or devices as shown anddescribed herein are operated to deliver humidity, for example in theform of a fog or mist, to such products and/or to an enclosed space forcontaining such products. In particular example embodiments, one or morehumidification systems incorporating one or more ultrasonic nozzles,atomizers, nebulizers, aerosol generating nozzles, nanoparticlegenerating nozzles, vibratory nozzles, sprayers, and/or other means forgenerating a fog for delivering humidification are operated to deliverhumidity to vegetables, seafood, meat, deli, floral and agro foodproducts.

Various systems/subsystems, elements, assemblies, components, and/orother parts and features of one or more particular example embodimentsdescribed and/or shown herein may be combined with or utilized in placeof or in addition to corresponding or associated systems/subsystems,elements, assemblies, components, and/or other parts and features of oneor more other example embodiments described and/or shown herein. Forexample, multiple different types of the fog-generation systemsdescribed and/or shown herein can be combined into anotherhumidification system, or one of the fog-generation systems describedand/or shown herein can be combined with a conventional fog-generationsystem or another fog-generation system not described and/or shownherein to form yet another humidification system. In addition, while theinvention has been described and shown with respect to humidificationsystems including a water delivery system, an air delivery system, acontrol system, and one or more fog-generation systems, in anotheraspect one of the individual fog-generation systems can be provided byitself for use with the other components of a humidification system.

While the invention has been described with reference to exampleembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that avariety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

1. A humidification system, comprising: a water-delivery systemincluding a water-delivery conduit; an air-delivery system including anair-delivery conduit; a control system configured to control waterflowthrough the water-delivery conduit and airflow through the air-deliveryconduit; and at least one fog-generation system each including: a watermanifold including an axial water lumen that is directly or indirectlyconnected to and fed by the water-delivery conduit, an air manifoldincluding an axial air lumen that is directly or indirectly connected toand fed by the air-delivery conduit, wherein manifold and the airmanifold are spaced apart in a fixed relationship with the watermanifold lumen and the air manifold lumen spaced apart in a fixedrelationship and in a substantially parallel arrangement, and one ormore spray nozzles positioned and connnected between the water manifoldand the air manifold, wherein the one or more spray nozzles each includea water inlet that is in fluid communication with the water lumen, anair inlet that is substantially axially aligned with the water inlet andthat is in fluid communication with the air lumen, and a sprayerpositioned between and fed by the water air inlets so that the sprayeris fed the waterflow and the airflow from opposite directions, whereinthe sprayer includes an outlet that is angled relative to the alignedwater and air inlets, wherein the control system controls the waterflowand the airflow delivered to the at least one fog-generation system sothat the one or more spray nozzles emit a fog spray to providehumidification.
 2. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein thewater-delivery conduit is adapted to connect to a pressurized watersupply and the air-delivery conduit is adapted to connect to an aircompressor.
 3. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein the controlsystem includes a water supply control unit connected to thewater-delivery conduit and an air compressor connected to and feedingthe air-delivery conduit.
 4. The humidification system of claim 1,wherein the one or more spray nozzles are ultrasonic nozzles.
 5. Thehumidification system of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzles arerotationally mounted relative to the water and air manifolds so that thesprayer outlets each can be individually angled to adjust the directionof the fog spray. 6-13. (canceled)
 14. The humidification system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more spray nozzles is a plurality of spraynozzles extending between the water manifold lumen and the air manifoldlumen with the aligned water and air inlets of the spray nozzles in aparallel arrangement. 15-20. (canceled)
 21. The humidification system ofclaim 1, wherein the humidification system is adapted to emit the fogspray to provide the humidification to perishable post-harvest organicproducts.
 22. The humidification system of claim 5, wherein the alignedwater and air inlets of each spray nozzle are rotationally mounted tothe substantially parallel spaced-apart water and air manifolds so thatthey define a rotational axis about which the sprayer outlet can beindividually angled to adjust a direction of the fog spray withoutreorienting the water manifold or the air manifold.
 23. Thehumidification system of claim 22, wherein the aligned water and airinlets extend substantially perpendicularly to the water and air lumens.24. The humidification system of claim 23, wherein the sprayer outlet ofeach spray nozzle is substantially perpendicular to the aligned waterand air inlets of the spray nozzle.
 25. The humidification system ofclaim 24, wherein each spray nozzle is T-shaped and formed by thealigned water and air inlets and the perpendicular sprayer outlet. 26.The humidification system of claim 24, wherein the sprayer outlet ofeach spray nozzle is positionable substantially perpendicular to thealigned water and air inlets of each spray nozzle.
 27. Thehumidification system of claim 1, wherein the at least onefog-generation system is a plurality of fog-generation systems, andfurther comprising at least one water splitter that splits thewater-delivery conduit to supply water to the plurality offog-generation systems and at least one air splitter that splits theair-delivery conduit to supply air to the plurality of fog-generationsystems.
 28. The humidification system of claim 1, wherein the watermanifold, the air manifold, and the one or more spray nozzles of the atleast one fog-generation system are mounted together in a blockarrangement.
 29. A humidification system for providing humidification toperishable post-harvest organic products, the humidification systemcomprising: a water-delivery system including a water-delivery conduit;an air-delivery system including an air-delivery conduit; a controlsystem configured to control waterflow through the water-deliveryconduit and airflow through the air-delivery conduit; and at least onefog-generation system each including: a water manifold including anaxial water lumen that is directly or indirectly connected to and fed bythe water-delivery conduit, an air manifold including an axial air lumenthat is directly or indirectly connected to and fed by the air-deliveryconduit, wherein the water manifold and the air manifold are spacedapart in a fixed relationship with the water manifold lumen and the airmanifold lumen spaced apart in a fixed relationship and in asubstantially parallel arrangement, and one or more spray nozzlespositioned and connected between the water manifold and the airmanifold, wherein the one or more spray nozzles each include a waterinlet that is in fluid communication with the water lumen, an air inletthat is substantially axially aligned with the water inlet and that isin fluid communication with the air lumen, and a sprayer positionedbetween and fed by the water and air inlets so that the sprayer is fedthe waterflow and the airflow from opposite directions, wherein thesprayer includes an outlet that is angled relative to the aligned waterand air inlets, wherein the control system controls the waterflow andthe airflow delivered to the at least one fog-generation system so thatthe one or more spray nozzles emit a fog spray to provide thehumidification to the perishable post-harvest organic products, andwherein the spray nozzles are rotationally mounted relative to the waterand air manifolds so that the sprayer outlets each can be individuallyangled to adjust a direction of the fog spray, wherein the aligned waterand air inlets of each sprayer extend substantially perpendicularly tothe water and air lumens, and wherein the aligned water and air inletsof each spray nozzle are rotationally mounted to the substantiallyparallel spaced-apart water and air manifolds so that they define arotational axis about which the sprayer outlet can be individuallyangled to adjust the direction of the fog spray without reorienting thewater manifold or the air manifold.
 30. The humidification system ofclaim 29, wherein the sprayer outlet of each spray nozzle issubstantially perpendicular to the aligned water and air inlets of thespray nozzle, and wherein each spray nozzle is T-shaped and formed bythe aligned water and air inlets and the perpendicular sprayer outlet.31. The humidification system of claim 29, wherein the sprayer outlet ofeach spray nozzle is positionable substantially perpendicular to thealigned water and air inlets of each spray nozzle.
 32. Thehumidification system of claim 29, wherein the one or more spray nozzlesis a plurality of spray nozzles extending between the water manifoldlumen and the air manifold lumen with the aligned water and air inletsof the spray nozzles in a parallel arrangement.
 33. A fog-generationsystem for providing humidification to perishable post-harvest organicproducts, the fog-generation system comprising: a water manifoldincluding an axial water lumen, an air manifold including an axial airlumen, wherein the water manifold and the air manifold are spaced apartin a fixed relationship with the water manifold lumen and the airmanifold lumen spaced apart in a fixed relationship and in asubstantially parallel arrangement, and one or more spray nozzlespositioned and connected between the water manifold and the airmanifold, wherein the one or more spray nozzles each include a waterinlet that is in fluid communication with the water lumen, an air inletthat is substantially axially aligned with the water inlet and that isin fluid communication with the air lumen, and a sprayer positionedbetween and fed by the water and air inlets so that the sprayer is fedwaterflow and the airflow from opposite directions, wherein the sprayerincludes an outlet that is angled relative to the aligned water and airinlets, wherein the aligned water and air inlets of each sprayer extendsubstantially perpendicularly to the water and air lumens, and whereinthe aligned water and air inlets of each spray nozzle are rotationallymounted to the substantially parallel spaced-apart water and airmanifolds so that they define a rotational axis about which the sprayeroutlet can be individually angled to adjust the direction of the fogspray without reorienting the water manifold or the air manifold,wherein in response to the waterflow and the airflow being delivered tothe at least one fog-generation system, the one or more spray nozzlesemit a fog spray to provide the humidification to the perishablepost-harvest organic products.